Sleeve member for use in golf club grips and the like

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are grips and methods of making grips for use with the handle of an article, and in particular for use with golf clubs, fishing poles, bicycle handles, hand tools, etc. Embodiments preferably include a first portion made of a first material and a second portion made of a second material. The first portion is preferably less dense and/or lighter than the second portion to allow for the manufacture of a light grip with different characteristics.

PRIORITY CLAIM AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/931,647, filed Jun. 28, 2013, (entitled “SLEEVE MEMBER FOR USE INGOLF CLUB GRIPS AND THE LIKE”), which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/862,673, filed Aug. 24, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No.8,480,510, (entitled “SLEEVE MEMBER FOR USE IN GOLF CLUB GRIPS AND THELIKE”), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/238,062, filed Aug. 28, 2009 (entitled “IMPROVED SLEEVE MEMBERFOR USE IN GOLF CLUB GRIPS AND THE LIKE”), the disclosures being herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

The present application hereby incorporates by reference in theirentireties the following U.S. Patents and Publications: U.S. Pat. Nos.6,627,027, 6,695,713, 6,843,732, 6,857,971 7,862,445, 7,862,446, and8,480,510.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments relate to an improved grip for use with the handle portionof articles, in particular, the handle portion of golf clubs, fishingpoles, bicycle handles, hand tools, etc.

2. Description of the Related Art

Though grips have been developed, there remains a need for an improvedgrip.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments include one or more advantages including offering great feelby absorbing shock and vibrations caused by the article impacting otherobjects and being light in weight and of low density. In the context ofgolf club grips, lighter grips allow for the manipulation of the clubswing weight. Current common grips weigh approximately 52 grams.Embodiments of the present invention can reduce the weight of the gripby approximately 32 grams. Generally, decreasing the weight of a grip byapproximately 4.5 grams will increase one unit of the club's swingweight. Thus, a 32 gram savings in grip weight can increase a club'sswing weight by approximately 7 units. Increased swing weight allows agolfer to hit the ball further with a similar stroke. Further,decreasing the weight of a grip will decrease the total weight of aclub, a feature that can be beneficial to older golfers and golfershaving less strength. In particular, it enables golfers to create higherhead speed and provides easier maneuverability. Furthermore, lightweight grips are important for longer shafted clubs which may bepreferred by longer distance and taller golfers. In addition, a golfergenerally carries approximately 14 clubs in their bag. When that golferis walking the course or carrying the bag any appreciable distance, itis advantageous to reduce the weight of the bag as much as possible.This can be accomplished by using embodiments of the present grip thatare much lighter than standard grips.

In addition, some embodiments permit the use of more resilient materialsin areas of high wear. For example, a resilient cap structure can beused at the closed end of the grip. The resilient material is preferablystronger and more dense than the EVA used in the majority of the sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects, features and advantages of the inventions will becomeapparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying figures showing illustrative embodiments, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary golf club incorporating agrip according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a grip component mounted on a mandrelaccording to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the grip component shown inFIG. 2 according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the grip component shown in FIG. 2during the manufacturing process according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a section view taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 an enlarged view of the portion designated by the circle 6 inFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a gripping member configured for use with thegrip component shown in FIG. 2 according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a section view of the gripping member shown in FIG. 9 takenalong the line 8-8 in FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9A-9C are enlarged views of alternate embodiments of a portiondesignated by the circle 9 in FIG. 8 demonstrating various embodimentsof gripping member;

FIG. 10 is a section view of taken along the line 10-10 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a grip component and a gripping member duringthe manufacturing process according to some embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a completed grip according to some embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a section view taken along the line 13-13 of the grip shownin FIG. 12; and

FIGS. 14A-14B are enlarged views of a portion designated by the circle14 in FIG. 13 demonstrating various embodiments.

While embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to thefigures, it is intended that changes and modifications can be made tothe described embodiments without departing from the true scope andspirit of the disclosure herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club GC incorporating a grip Gaccording to some embodiments. Embodiments of the grip G can include abase member (also referred to herein as underlisting, sleeve, or sleevemember) 2 and a gripping portion 4. In some embodiments, sleeve 2preferably includes 2 or more components as discussed in greater detailbelow.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the sleeve member 2 according to someembodiments and FIG. 3 is an exploded view. The sleeve 2 has a first end6 and a second end 8 and can comprise a body or first portion 10 and aclosure or second portion 12, wherein the first portion 10 includes afirst or receiving end 14 preferably configured to receive a rigidstabilizing member, which may be a mandrel M (shown), useful during theconstruction of a grip, or the handle portion of a shaft S of a golfclub, bike handle, fishing pole, hammer, etc. The second portion 12includes a substantially enclosed end member or cap 16 and is configuredto couple to a second end 18 of the first portion 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 14 of the first portion 10includes an integral nipple 20. In some embodiments, the nipple 20 isnot integrally formed with the first portion 10 and is insteadseparately manufactured and subsequently joined, bonded, or otherwiseattached to the first portion 10 of the sleeve 2 as described, forexample, in greater detail below. In some embodiments, such a nipple isconnected before a gripping member 84 is applied to the sleeve 2, thoughin some embodiments it is connected after or not at all. The nipple 20generally provides a transition, preferably tapered, from the shaft S ofthe article to the gripping portion 4 of the grip G as described ingreater detail below.

The second portion 12 includes a cap 16 and is configured to couple tothe second end 18 of the first portion 10. Preferably, the secondportion 12 is not integrally formed with the first portion 10 of thesleeve 2 to facilitate the use of multiple materials to enhance thebenefits of grips made according to embodiments disclosed herein. Amounting surface 22 generally extends between the first and second ends6, 8 of the sleeve 2 and the sleeve 2 generally defines an internalcavity 24 configured to receive at least a portion of the handle portionthe rigid member, e.g. golf club shaft, fishing pole, hammer, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, the first portion 10 and the second portion12 comprise different materials. The first portion 10 is generallyconstructed so as to minimize its weight. In some embodiments, the firstportion 10 comprises injected molded ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) whichcan be controlled so as to produce a lightweight, stable structure wellsuited as a base member for a grip G. In some embodiments, alternativematerials or methods may be used. For example, the first portion 10 maycomprise EVA that has been generically formed and later ground down tothe preferred shape as dictated by the particular application. In thecase of golf grips, the shape generally tapers from a larger butt end toa narrower nipple end as described herein. Other shapes, be it ground orinjection molded, are also possible. For example, generally hour glassshapes may be useful in such applications as fishing pole grips.Similarly, generally straight or ovular shapes may be useful for bicyclehandles or tool handles.

The second portion 12 is generally constructed of a more resilient,durable material, for example rubber. In some embodiments, the secondportion is injection molded. The material selected can provide moreresiliency to better absorb abrasive forces when the article ismanipulated during use. For example, if it is a golf club grip, therubber second portion 12 can withstand the stresses placed on the end ofthe grip G as the club GC is removed and inserted into a golf bag betterthan the weight minimizing materials used in the majority of the sleeve2. In addition, the resilient rubber can be formed to include a slot 32as described below to assist in holding a gripping member 84 to thesleeve 2.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second portion 12 preferablyincludes a cap 16 and a longitudinally extending section or portion 26which extends from the cap 16 generally toward the first end 14 of thefirst portion 10. A radial flange 28 also extends longitudinally fromthe cap 16 and is radially spaced from the longitudinally extendingportion 26. The outer mounting surface 30 of the longitudinallyextending portion 26 cooperates with the radial flange 28 to form acircumferential slot 32. In some embodiments, the slot 32 accepts aportion of a gripping member 84 adhered to the sleeve 2. Slot 32 reducesthe likelihood that the end of the gripping member 84 at the cap end 8of the sleeve 2 will unravel or curl away from the sleeve 2 during use.Though the resilient material used in the second portion 12 is heavierand more dense than the material used in the first portion 10, theamount of resilient material is limited by using it only in particularareas, such as at the second end 8 of the sleeve 2.

The second end 18 of the first portion 10 can include a reduced diameterengagement section or portion 34 configured to engage the second portion12. The mounting surface 22 of the first portion 10 is connected to thecircumferential surface 38 of reduced diameter portion 34 by a radialannular surface 36. End surface 40, circumferential surface 38 ofreduced diameter portion 34, and radial surface 36 preferably provideengagement surfaces for the coupling of second portion 12 to firstportion 10.

The second portion 12 defines an inner cavity 42 defined by inner radialwalls 44 of the longitudinally extending portion 26 and an inner surface46 (shown in FIG. 6) of the cap 16. FIG. 4 shows glue 48 being appliedby, for example, a spray nozzle 50, to one or more of the walls 44, 46of inner cavity 42 of the second portion 12 and to one or more of theengagement surfaces 36, 38, 40 of the second end 18 of the first portion10 prior to coupling of the first portion 10 and the second portion 12.The coupling of first portion 10 and second portion 12 is shown ingreater detail in FIGS. 5 and 6.

With glue 48 applied to the inner cavity 42 of the second portion 12and/or one or more of the engagement surfaces 36, 38, 40 of the secondend 18 of the first portion 10, the first and second portions 10, 12 canbe fixedly engaged, as shown in FIG. 6. Though it is preferred that eachof the surfaces of the first portion 10 engage and be glued to therespective surfaces of the second portion 12, it is possible to limitthe areas which receive glue 48. Preferably, the depth of the reduceddiameter portion 34 of first portion 10 is generally equal to thethickness of the longitudinally extending portion 26 so that, whenengaged, the mounting surface 22 of the first portion 10 and themounting surface 30 of the longitudinally extending portion 26preferably define a substantially continuous mounting surface 58 of thesleeve 2.

In some embodiments, the longitudinally extending portion 26 isconfigured to be as thin as possible while providing sufficient strengthto appropriately couple the second portion 12 to the first portion 10.In some embodiments, the average thickness of the wall of the reduceddiameter portion 34 is between approximately 2 and approximately 8 timesas thick as the average thickness of the wall of the longitudinallyextending portion 26. In some embodiments, the reduced diameter portion34 is approximately 3 to approximately 6 times as thick as thelongitudinally extending portion. In a preferred embodiment, the reduceddiameter portion 34 is approximately 4 times as thick as thelongitudinally extending portion. So long as the first portion andsecond portion cooperate to provide sufficient strength and durability,since the first portion is constructed of a less dense, lightermaterial, it is preferable to maximize the amount of first portionmaterial used and minimize the amount of second portion material used toenhance the weight savings of the embodiment.

It is desirable that the second end 18 of the first portion 10 and thesecond portion 12 are constructed for mating engagement that results ina usable mounting surface 22 on sleeve 2. Second portion 12 isillustrated including a thin walled, longitudinally extending portion 26that extends entirely around the reduced diameter portion 34. In apreferred embodiment, this produces a substantially smooth mountingsurface 22. In some embodiments, the longitudinally extending portionmay include two or more sections such that the longitudinally extendingportion does not extend entirely around the reduced diameter portion. Insuch embodiments, reduced diameter portion 34 may be of substantiallyconstant outer diameter, as shown, or may include two or more areas ofincreased and decreased outer diameter to complement the two or moresections of the longitudinally extending portion.

Some embodiments may further include one or more raised portions on thesleeve 2 that can cooperate with the gripping member 84 to form thegripping portion 4 of the grip G. The raised portions can be integrallyformed with the first portion 10 of the sleeve 2, such as by way of amodified injection mold including cavities for such raised portions.Alternatively, the raised portions can be attached to one or both of thefirst and second portions 10, 12 of the sleeve. Sleeves with raisedportions which cooperate with gripping members to form gripping portionsof grips are described in greater detail, for example, in U.S. PatentPublication Nos. 2008-0230174 and 2009-0048036.

As shown and discussed above, in some embodiments the nipple 20 may betapered to provide a smooth transition from the smaller diameter exposedhandle, rod, or shaft near the nipple to the main gripping portion 4 ofthe grip G. The nipple 20 may be integrally formed with the sleeve 2 ormay be separately formed and later joined to the sleeve 2. As shown, insome embodiments, the nipple 20 may define a circumferential nippleledge extending around the first portion 10 and extending radiallyoutward from the mounting surface 22 of the first portion 10 adjacentthe mounting surface 22. The nipple ledge may comprise a nipple contactsurface 52 and a nipple outer surface 54. The nipple outer surface 54may transition into the tapered upper portion 56 of the nipple 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the nipple contact surface 52 extendsradially from the mounting surface 22 at approximately 90 degrees. Insome embodiments, the nipple contact surface 52 extends from themounting surface 22 between approximately 45 and approximately 90degrees. In some embodiments, the nipple contact surface 52 extends fromthe mounting surface 22 between approximately 90 and approximately 135degrees.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate a gripping member 84 according to some embodimentsuseful in forming at least a portion of the gripping portion 4 of a gripG. The gripping member 84 is shaped to generally correspond with themounting surface 58 of the sleeve 2 when applied thereto. Shown as apanel, the illustrated embodiment is folded or wrapped around themounting surface 58 (FIG. 11) to form a substantially vertical seam 60(FIG. 12) that joins the side edges of the panel as described in greaterdetail below. Alternatively, the gripping member 84 could be formed as astrip that would in turn be spirally wrapped around the mounting surface58. In some embodiments, multiple panels and/or strips may beincorporated. Further, panels or strips with cut-outs and/or panels orstrips with cut-outs and inserts may be incorporated.

FIG. 8 is a section view of the gripping member 84 taken along the line8-8 in FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the gripping member 84 preferablyincludes an outer layer 62 adhered, bonded, glued, or otherwise attachedto a base or inner layer 64. The outer layer 62 defines an inner surfaceand an outer surface and is preferably polyurethane, though suitableother materials may be used. Similarly, the inner layer 64 defines aninner surface and an outer surface and is preferably a non-woven fabric.In some embodiments, a spray-on adhesive is applied to one or both ofthe inner surface of the outer layer 62 and/or the outer surface of theinner layer 64. In some embodiments, the outer layer 62 of polyurethaneis deposited onto and coagulated directly onto and into a portion of theinner layer of felt 64 as shown in FIG. 9A. Such a wet coagulationprocess is known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,971.The panel 84 may also include multiple segments, as described, forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,732.

Side edges 68, 70 are preferably skived to allow an overlapping of theside edges 68, 70 along the seam 60. In alternative embodiments, theside edges 68, 70 are not skived, or are skived to permit stitching orother bonding methods along the seam 60. FIG. 10 is a section view takenalong the line 10-10 in FIG. 7. In a preferred embodiment, top edge 72is skived to facilitated the insertion of the top edge 72 into the slot32 of the second portion 12. The bottom edge 74 is preferably configuredto substantially match the nipple contact surface 52. In a preferredembodiment, the bottom edge 74 is not skived.

FIG. 9A is an enlarged view of a portion of the gripping member 84designated by the circle 9A in FIG. 8. As mentioned above, the outerlayer 62 preferably includes polyurethane. The polyurethane ispreferably coagulated to form one or more closed cells (not shown). Theinner layer 64, when formed of a non-woven fabric layer, may befabricated of suitable materials such as nylon, cotton, polyester, orthe like and may be felt.

Some embodiments provide a lightweight grip with sufficient torsionresistance and shock absorption for use with a variety of articlesincluding golf clubs. In some embodiments, a finished grip G including apolyurethane/felt gripping member 84 adhered to a combination EVA/rubbersleeve 2 as disclosed herein weighs between approximately 15 and 45grams. In a preferred embodiment, the finished grip G weighsapproximately 20 grams while still providing the desired shockabsorption, tackiness, and torsion resistance required of a grip G foran article such as a golf club.

FIG. 9B illustrates the portion shown in FIG. 9A according to somealternative embodiments. In FIG. 9B, an additional woven fabric mesh 66is included in the polyurethane layer 62 during the manufacturingprocess. In some embodiments, the fabric mesh 66 is attached to thenon-woven fabric layer prior to depositing the polyurethane onto thefabric layer. Such a process is known in the art. See, for example, U.S.Pat. No. 6,695,713.

In some embodiments, the fabric mesh 66 includes longitudinallyextending fibers (fibers that extend generally along the length of thelong axis of a grip for a grip formed by a panel (e.g. FIG. 12) or alongthe long axis of a strip where the finished grip is formed from aspirally wrapped strip) and transversely extending fibers. In someembodiments, the longitudinally extending fibers will preferably be of alarger diameter than the transversely extending fibers. For example, thelongitudinal fibers may have a diameter between approximately 0.4 and0.75 millimeters and the transverse fibers may have a diameter betweenapproximately 0.25 and 0.5 millimeters. In some embodiments, thelongitudinal and transverse fibers may be of substantially equaldiameters. The woven fabric mesh 66 may be fabricated of suitablematerials such as nylon, cotton, polyester, or the like.

FIG. 9C illustrates the portion shown in FIG. 9A according to somealternative embodiments. In FIG. 9C, the lower layer 64 comprises EVArather than non-woven fabric. Attaching polyurethane to an EVA baselayer is known in the prior art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No.6,627,027.

FIGS. 11-14B show the application of the gripping member 84 in a panelshape onto a sleeve 2 according to some embodiments. An adhesive 76 issprayed or otherwise applied onto the mounting surface 58 of the sleeve2, the inner surface 78 of the gripping member 84 or both as shown andthe panel 4 is wrapped around the mounting surface 58. As discussedabove, in some embodiments, the side edges 68, 70 of the panel 4 can beskived so as to overlap along the seam 60 with like layers generallycontacting and adhered to like layers as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14A.Alternatively, the side edges 68, 70 can be skived such that the outersurface 80 of the panel 4 at or near the side edges 68, 70 contact eachother along the seam 60. In some embodiments, such a seam 60 is stitchedclosed with the stitches 82 preferably extending through at least aportion of the polyurethane outer layer 62 and at least a portion of thenon-woven inner layer 64 as shown in FIG. 14AB In some embodiments, thepanel 4 is stitched inside out with the outer surface 80 of thepolyurethane layer 62 facing inwards and, after stitching the seam 60,the panel 4 is reversed as or before it is applied to the sleeve 2 suchthat, on the finished grip G, the outer surface 80 is outward facing.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the panel 4 corresponds generallyto the distance the nipple contact surface 52 extends from the mountingsurface 22 of the first portion 10 to facilitate the creation of asmooth transition from the gripping member 84 to the nipple 20.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, a portion of the sleeve 2 isconstructed from a less dense material. For example, first portion 10may be manufactured from injection molded EVA. Ethylene vinyl acetatecopolymers possess many excellent characteristics such as low weight,low density, flexibility, transparency, non-toxicity, and goodresistance to environmental stress cracking, etc.

Some embodiments overcome the difficulties of working with injectionmolded EVA. For example, EVA coagulation is a relatively slow process.After injection molding a rough EVA first portion 10, the section can betransferred to an appropriate mold with a core bar to control the shapeof the finished product. Controlling temperature and time facilitateseffective control of the EVA coagulation.

In some embodiments, the density of the EVA injected to form the firstportion 10 is less than approximately 1 g/cm³. In some embodiments, thedensity is between approximately 0.5 and 1.5 g/cm³. In a preferredembodiment, the density is between approximately 0.930 and 0.943 g/cm³.Controlling the degree of coagulation of the EVA allows embodiments toinclude an EVA first portion 10 whose volume is, for example,approximately doubled or tripled from the original volume. Therefore, insome embodiments, the density of the finished first portion can beapproximately one half or one third of the original density. In someembodiments, the density of the finished first portion can be betweenapproximately 0.25 and 1.0 g/cm³. In some embodiments, the density ofthe finished first portion can be between approximately 0.3 and 0.6g/cm³.

In some embodiments, portions of the sleeve 2 are of low density,however, given varying shapes and sizes of grips envisioned, the weightsof the sleeves may vary. For example, embodiments can be used to controlthe weight of oversized putter grips that are gaining in popularity. Insome embodiments, the weight of the finished sleeve 2, including thefirst portion 10 and second portion 12, can be between approximately 5and 40 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the finished sleeve can bebetween approximately 10 and 30 g. In some embodiments, the weight ofthe finished sleeve can be between approximately 10 and 25 g. In someembodiments, the weight of the finished sleeve can be betweenapproximately 15 and 20 g. In some embodiments, the weight of thefinished sleeve can be between approximately 7 and 12 g. In a preferredembodiment, the finished sleeve weighs approximately 10 g.

One or more aspects of each of the embodiments described herein can becombined with one or more aspects of other embodiments and suchcombinations are specifically contemplated herein. Further, generalmodifications of the disclosure are also contemplated.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A grip for the handle portion of an article, thegrip comprising: a gripping member configured to be grasped by a user; asleeve with a cylindrical interior configured to receive the handleportion of an article, the sleeve including a first portion including afirst end, a second end, and a first outer mounting surface near saidsecond end, the second end being enclosed within the gripping member;the sleeve further including a second portion comprising a substantiallyenclosed cap portion configured to be exposed at the end of an articleand a longitudinally extending section defining a second outer mountingsurface, the second portion and the first portion being connected suchthat both the first and the second outer mounting surfaces are coveredby the gripping member and are configured to be between the grippingmember and a handle portion of an article; and wherein a portion of thefirst portion and the second portion overlap inside the gripping memberand both the first and second outer mounting surfaces of the sleeve arecoupled to the gripping member.
 20. A grip according to claim 19,wherein the first end of the first portion of the sleeve extends pastthe end of the gripping member.
 21. A grip according to claim 19,wherein the gripping member includes a first region and a second regioncloser the second end of the sleeve than the first region, wherein thesecond region is thinner than the first region.
 22. A grip according toclaim 21, wherein the second region of the gripping member is skived.23. A grip according to claim 19, wherein the gripping member comprisesmultiple layers.
 24. A grip according claim 19, wherein the grippingmember is shaped as a panel, the panel being wrapped around the outermounting surfaces of the first and second portions of the sleeve andfurther being adhered to the mounting surfaces.
 25. A grip accordingclaim 24, wherein the panel includes side edges forming a generallylongitudinal seam, the side edges being skived.
 26. A grip accordingclaim 25, wherein the skived side edges are skived such that theyoverlap along the seam.
 27. A grip according claim 26, wherein the panelincludes multiple layers and like layers of the panel are in contactwith and adhered to like layers along the seam.
 28. A grip accordingclaim 25, wherein the skived side edges are stitched together along theseam with an outer surface of the panel adjacent the first side edge isin contact with the outer surface of the panel adjacent the second sideedge along the stitched seam.
 29. A grip according claim 19, wherein thetransition from the first outer mounting surface to the second outermounting surface is substantially continuous.
 30. A grip according toclaim 19, wherein the second portion of the sleeve comprises a moredurable material than the first portion of the sleeve.
 31. A gripaccording to claim 19, wherein the second portion of the sleevecomprises rubber